The mechanical voice of the system echoed crisply in Bai Yu's mind.
> [Ding! Main Mission Triggered: Defend Impel Down (Push City)]
[Mission Objective: Guard Impel Down and repel the attacking pirate forces. The mission reward will scale based on your performance in battle.]
"It looks like today... Impel Down must not fall," Bai Yu thought to himself, eyes narrowing with resolve.
Without hesitation, he accepted the mission.
Soon after, Bai Yu and Vice-Warden Hannibal arrived at the main sea-level entrance of Impel Down. Warden Magellan was already there, standing firm with arms crossed. Behind them, the G-5 Marine elites that Bai Yu had brought disembarked rapidly from their warship, hauling crates of ammunition, medical supplies—and most importantly, the three newly developed air cannon forts.
"You arrived just in time," Magellan said sharply, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction. "Your men said you wanted to set up three forts at the entrance?"
Bai Yu nodded calmly.
"Any objections?"
"I don't need those," Magellan scoffed. "We're dealing with the Donquixote Pirates and remnants of a Yonko crew. Even if the Yonko themselves aren't here, your cannons won't stop them."
He stepped forward, his presence oppressive.
"Let them come. I'll block them right here."
Magellan's confidence wasn't unwarranted. As Warden of the world's most secure prison, Impel Down, his fearsome power was a major deterrent. His Doku Doku no Mi (Venom-Venom Fruit), a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit, allowed him to produce and control deadly toxins. Though not a Logia, its effects were nearly just as dangerous—even those with Armament Haki could fall if tainted by his poison.
Magellan believed his presence alone would be enough.
"If you can stop them outside, why let them breach the gate in the first place?" Bai Yu countered. "You might not fear death, but I'm responsible for the lives of my men."
He gestured to the crates being unloaded.
"The forts stay."
Magellan's frown deepened. "Don't forget who's in charge of Impel Down."
Bai Yu met his glare without flinching.
"And don't forget I was sent here because the situation is critical."
Just before tensions could boil over, Hannibal quickly stepped in, his usual smooth-talking self trying to diffuse the storm.
"Whoa, whoa—easy, you two! Let's not turn on each other when the enemy's at our doorstep!"
He leaned in toward Bai Yu, whispering, "Don't mind him, Lieutenant General. I told you he's a bit... intense."
Then, turning to Magellan, Hannibal whispered, "Warden, Bai Yu was personally dispatched by Marine HQ. He's become quite the rising star. Best not to make enemies out of allies."
"And besides... I was with him in Level 6 yesterday."
Hannibal's voice dropped to a hush.
"I saw it myself—a single glare from him knocked out one of the most violent prisoners in the entire level. Just one look, and the guy fainted."
Magellan's scowl loosened slightly as Hannibal's words sunk in.
"Let him try his plan," Hannibal coaxed further. "Even if it fails, we're no worse off than now."
Finally, Magellan huffed and relented.
"Fine. Let's see how your forts hold up. But don't expect me to rescue you if things go south."
He stepped back, arms folded.
"Just watch," Bai Yu replied coolly.
He turned to his men. "Everyone, prep for combat!"
"Those without the new model muskets—fall back. The thirty equipped with the upgraded rifles, you'll form the second firing line. Maia, Koby, Helmeppo—each of you will command one fort. Wait for my signal."
"Yes, sir!" the trio responded in unison.
As they scrambled into formation, the battlefield came alive with tension. The three air cannon forts were arranged in a triangle at the sea-level gate. Maia, Koby, and Helmeppo each took command, flanked by support crew helping to calibrate the barrels. Behind them, the thirty musket marines formed a disciplined firing line. The rest held the rear, guarding the fallback position.
Everything was in place.
BOOM!
Suddenly, a thunderous explosion rocked the iron gate of the prison. The enormous metal barrier groaned and cracked under the impact.
In the next instant, the gate burst open.
A formation of pirate ships surged through the breach, their black sails emblazoned with twisted insignias, riding a wave of fury.
"BAI YU!!"
"Give us back our young master's life!!"
"Kidd Pirates will never forgive you!"
The shouts echoed from ship to ship—furious, bloodthirsty.
All of it directed at Bai Yu.
"Lieutenant General, should we open fire?" Koby asked urgently, hand on the trigger lever.
"Not yet," Bai Yu said calmly, raising his hand. "Wait until they're close enough."
Unlike traditional artillery, the new air cannon didn't rely on explosive propulsion. It launched its payload with instantaneous pressure release—making it devastatingly fast and precise.
No wasted shots.
He waited.
The enemy's lead ships—three of them—rushed ahead to breach the sea-level entrance simultaneously, using the limited width of the channel to squeeze through together.
"Aim!"
Bai Yu's voice snapped out.
The crews at each fort adjusted their cannons, targeting the three incoming vessels.
"Fire!"
BOOM!
The ground trembled as all three forts unleashed in unison—compressed air exploding forth like a shockwave cannon.
End of Chapter.
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